They went to the nearest park, where only a few children were playing. As they played and laughed together, Harris felt a warmth in his chest that he hadn't experienced in years. He watched Harriet's eyes sparkle with joy, and his heart swelled with love for this little girl he was just getting to know.
As Harris pushed Harriet on the swings, Mallory observed from a nearby bench. She could see the happiness in both their eyes and couldn't help but feel a mixture of relief and hope.
"Higher, Daddy!" Harriet squealed, giggling as Harris obliged her request.
"Alright, but hold on tight," he instructed with laughter joining hers.
After some time at the park, they played a hide-and-seek game among the trees. Harris marveled at how easily Harriet had grown comfortable around him. He was thankful for this opportunity to bond with her and create cherished memories.
"Found you!" Harriet exclaimed as she discovered Harris hiding behind a bush. His face lit up with genuine amusement, and he scooped her into his arms, spinning her around.
"Good job, little detective," he praised, setting her down gently. "You're really good at this game!"
Harriet beamed with pride, and Harris couldn't help but get lost in her infectious joy. "Daddy, I want some ice cream."
"Of course, whatever you want, my princess. Daddy is getting us some ice cream," Harris said.
"Get one for Mommy, too," Harriet pleads.
"I will. Go to your mom now, and I'll get three ice creams for us." Harriet nodded and went to her Mallory. She was beaming happily and came to hug her mom.
"Did you enjoy playing with your Dad?" Mallory wipes Harriet's sweat as she sits her daughter on the bench.
"Yes, Mommy. Thank you for making my wish come true. I have a Daddy now; I'm so happy," Harriet squealed.
"You deserve to have a Daddy, Harriet. Do you like your Dad already?"
"Yes. We will be good friends and playmates very soon. Daddy is so good at playing with me on the swings. He pushed the swings higher than you are, Mommy."
Mallory smiled at her daughter's innocence. "That's because your Dad is stronger than Mommy."
"But you are better in hide and seek, though," Harriet said as if not to hurt her mom's feelings.
"Thank you, Harriet. We'll play hide and seek next time and swing with your Daddy. Okay?" Mallory said, gently pinching her daughter's chin.
Harris came with ice cream for each of them. Next thing, they were sitting on the benches eating their favorite ice cream. Mallory has cookies and cream, Harriet has caramel, and Harris has rocky road flavor.
"Daddy, I told Mom that I am happy because she made my wish come true to have a father. And I want to thank you too," Harriet said, her blue eyes wide with curiosity looking at them back and forth, waiting for them to speak.
"My princess, you are such a smart girl, baby. Whatever makes you happy, Daddy will give it to you."
"Thank you, Daddy," Harriet squealed with happiness. She sat between her parents, who were amused by the situation that they could make Harriet happy.
"Mommy, Daddy, can I play with other kids?" Harriet asked innocently just as she finished her ice cream.
"Yes, you can. But don't go too far, okay?" Mallory said to let Harriet explore to help develop her daughter's social skills.
"How about you, Daddy? Is it okay with you?" Harriet asked, waiting for her Dad's approval.
"Whatever your mom approves, I approve it too. You may play with other kids now, princess."
Harriet beamed happily as she walked off and approached other kids playing in the park.
Harriet's laughter rang through the air as she dashed from one child to another, her long curls bouncing behind her. The playground was a kaleidoscope of color and motion, with children of all ages climbing on structures made of gleaming steel and polished wood. Some wore designer clothes, their parents watching protectively from a distance, while others played with enviable freedom from a childhood untainted by the expectations of wealth.
"Look at her go," Harris murmured, a proud smile tugging at his lips as he watched Harriet play a spirited game of tag with a group of children. "She looks like she's never met a stranger."
Mallory couldn't help smiling too, but her eyes were shadowed with concern. "She's so happy," she said, her voice soft and wistful. "I just want her to be safe." She wrapped her arms around herself, unconsciously seeking comfort in her embrace.
"Harriet is safe here," Harris reassured her, gently placing his hand on her arm. "I promise I won't let anything happen to her."
"Thank you," Mallory whispered, trying to believe his words. But her heart couldn't shake the fear that had settled there since they first arrived at the playground. The glinting steel structures and manicured gardens amplified her anxiety, reminding her of the opulence and influence Harris's mother wielded like a weapon. What if she somehow found out they were here and tried to take Harriet away?
"Mommy, mommy!" Harriet cried, running towards them, her cheeks flushed with excitement. "I made some new friends! Can I have a playdate with them sometime?"
"Of course, sweetheart," Mallory said, smiling as she knelt down to hug her daughter. "As long as it's okay with their parents."
"Yay!" Harriet squealed before returning to join her new friends.
As Mallory watched her daughter play, she couldn't help but admire Harriet's boundless energy and enthusiasm. She wished she could share that innocence, that carefree delight in the simple joys of life. But her own trust issues, born from years of heartache and betrayal, cast a shadow over her ability to fully embrace the moment.
Harris steered the conversation toward the future as they continued to watch Harriet play. "So, about our co-parenting arrangement... When do you think the next visit should be? I want to make sure we're on the same page."
Mallory considered this, her gaze never leaving their daughter. "How about every other weekend, for now? We can adjust if needed."
"Sounds perfect." Harris smiled, but behind that smile was an underlying desire – a hope that, through these visits, Mallory might fall back in love with him. He hid that thought, knowing it was too soon to voice such ambitions. After several rejections, he realized he needed to regain Mallory's trust.
"Alright," Mallory agreed, her heart swelling at Harris genuinely committing to their daughter. "But remember, do not take her to your mother's house."
"Of course. It'll be just the three of us, focusing on what's best for Harriet," Harris assured her, keeping his secret agenda away. If all went according to plan, they would eventually become a family bound by love instead of obligation.
"Harriet seems to have made a new friend," Mallory observed, her voice tinged with happiness as she watched their daughter giggle with another child. The sight of Harriet's joy eased the last remnants of her unease.
"Maybe we should invite her friend over for a playdate next time," Harris suggested, his eyes never leaving Harriet.
Mallory turned to look at him, her eyes searching his face for any sign of insincerity. But all she found was genuine warmth and determination. "That would be lovely," she said, her voice soft but full of hope.
She couldn't help but admire his handsome face, which led to the night they shared in their hotel room 5 years ago. The way Harris touched her, admired and adored her like she was the most beautiful woman in the world. Everything stayed vivid in her memory. She shook her head, getting rid of her illusion.
"Then it's settled." Harris smiled, his feelings for Mallory simmering beneath the surface.
As they sat side by side on the park bench, watching their daughter revel in the simple joys of childhood, they took the first tentative steps toward rebuilding their fractured relationship – united by their love for Harriet and the unspoken possibility that love might yet conquer all.
Harris felt a pang of sadness as the sun began to dip lower in the sky, signaling the end of their day together. This newfound connection with his daughter had filled a void in his heart that he hadn't even known existed, and the thought of parting from her weighed heavily on him.
"Let's take a picture together before we say goodbye," he suggested, pulling out his phone. Mallory joined them, and the three posed together – a small, precious family unit captured in a single frame.
"Thank you for today, Mallory," Harris said as they returned to their cars. "It means more to me than you know."
"Promise me you'll continue to be there for her," Mallory whispered, her eyes searching for the truth.
"I promise," he replied, his voice full of determination.
As they drove away, Harris couldn't shake the feeling that something was lurking out of sight, threatening this newfound happiness. Little did he know how soon his world would be upside down again.